RICKENBACKER or FENDER

I am almost ready to purchase the Bass that I want. Only problem is I cant make up my mind of which of the 2 I like that I should buy. Need some help and opinons from you out there on which to get. Which of the 2 would you pick? All opinions greatly appreciated.

I like the Ric more than the Fender because it just feels more well made IMHO. However, as Peter McFerrin said, try them out yourself and compare, then look at other brands before you make your choice. Maybe a used Stingray/Sterling?

I remember trying to make this decision a few years back as to what my first bass was going to be.
Since that time I have owned 2 '70s 4001's and waiting for my new 4003 to arrive. I see you understand the road I traveled and still don't regret it.

The funny thing is, I still haven't ever picked up a Fender. I have mean't to but I keep getting more Rickenbackers, go figure.

Like everyone else here seems to be saying - try them, and see which one you're happier with!!!! You might find it's no contest!!!!

Now, my personal choice would be the Fender - 'cos I just don't get on with Rics, they just ain't my thing. However, I'd also check out Peter's advice - go see what else is on the market, there's a lot more choice now than the classics.
I went that road and have since ended up with 3 Spectors!!!

While I do agree that he should try all brands before picking a bew bass....he specifically asked for a choice between two.
If you have yet to play either the Ric or the Fender......GO DO IT.........our opinions mean nothing compared to yours since you are the one that has to spend the money and live with your decision. If you have tried them and like them both equally.....just freakin' pick one to buy now and buy the other at a later time.....easy enough.
If you just want some owner opinions......I say get the Ric. Great tone and character and fits my hands and playing style like no other. I have never cared much for Fender products myself but they may be just the ticket for you.

As I read from your profile, you have already owned a Jazz in the past and gotten rid of it for some reason or another. Did you like your old Jazz or did you get tired of it because you couldn't make it sound like a Ric?

To all that replied Thanks! First of all its great to post on a forum where you wont be ridiculed for even a simple question, it shows the high caliber of the site and the people who contribute to it. As far as the Jazz Bass I had in the past we are talking 30 years ago, it was used in a garage band type of workout and I will admit I was a novice then and I still am as I have not touched a Bass in the 30 years. You could say that I am buying one of these for historical reasons as well as to foddle around with at the house. Both are very famous brands and models so that is why I am going to buy one or the other first. Maybe down the road I will get the other to have. Not that I am going to sell but I would like your opinion on both as to future value. You all know the high price tags on the earlier models but what are you thoughts on the current models as far as collectibility and value in the future. Thanks again.

Hey sunburst, I too took a little time off from my quest. I see from your frofile your no young lad. playing bass in the seventies I was in love with the ric bass but it felt funny in my hands. My favorite bass player in funkadelic just totally ripped one. No matter how much I liked it I came to realize it was limited in what I would use is for. P-FUNK yeah, motown no good. take into consideration what type of music you want to play, then still try both to see with will fill your needs the most. Then decide.